A former New Mexico sheriff's deputy and former state police officer were sentenced to six years in prison, for being drug-ring insiders.

The courtroom was full of law enforcement officers, who wanted to see their former colleagues get the maximum.

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Keith Salazar has 60 days left with his family before he reports to prison to start his six-year sentence.

Salazar had little to say to Action 7 News, but his attorney said he was only protecting his family.

"We stand by our belief that he acted because he feared for his life. There was evidence that showed those involved in this conspiracy threatened his life and the life of his family," said attorney Brian Pori.

Salazar was a former state police officer who began working with former sheriff's deputy Levi Countryman in 2005.

For years, both men passed on insider information from law enforcement to a large drug cartel with ties to Mexico.

Countryman was also sentenced to six years in prison on Wednesday and the U.S. Attorney agrees with the sentence.

"I thought that it was sufficient to send a message to anyone out there that this kind of conduct would be tolerated," said U.S. Attorney Reeve Swainston.

Even Salazar's fellow law enforcement officers showed up in court pushing for the maximum sentence.

"It's pretty devastating. It takes away from our ability to do our job. It also takes away the public's trust in us," said Lt. Ken Christensen.

Christensen spoke in court on behalf of the San Juan County Sheriff's office, pushing for a maximum sentence.

He said the damage Countryman and Salazar have done is deep and these two have compromised long-time investigations and the safety of fellow officers.

Salazar has 60 days to report to prison because the judge granted him voluntary surrender. Countryman was denied that privilege and has been in jail since his arrest a year ago.